First Day of the Rest of Their Life - 1 Week Away

Thank you Pam for the use of your Android to take these photos today.

Click on this thumbnail for a full size photo. Are they not beautiful!!!????
(UPDATE: CAMERA FOUND!) 

Beautiful Mega Litter of Scooby Doo and Molly Rose

We're all thinking the same thing as we exclaim we cannot believe how quickly the time has passed with Molly and Scooby's "Mega Litter".  Well it's true! Time absolutely has passed faster than we could have imagined.  Oh, it didn't feel that way at first because we of the months waiting for the anticipated heat cycle for this planned and purposeful breeding.  Then we waited again to confirm whether there was a viable pregnancy or not. When we finally were able to confirm that Molly was indeed expecting with Scooby's pups, then another waiting period began as we looked towards Day 63 and watched Molly's temperature and behavior.  We waited to see how many pups were born, and then waited while Molly naturally whelped 6 gorgeous and healthy beautiful new Brittany pups the day before Easter.  You all waited to hear from us as we spent Easter at the Maine Emergency Clinic due a mispositioned, oversize pup which resulted in dystocia - and an emergency c-section and spay for Molly. (See "When Things Go Wrong.") We all waited together for Molly's recovery and through the first critical 72 hours of the pups existence.  And by the Grace of God everything from that point on has proceeded perfectly and without issue.  Bringing us to this place of the dawn of a brand new horizon, a new day, a new beginning with (for you who are waiting) a brand new beautiful puppy soon to begin the first day of the rest of their life, a day in most instances to begin 1 week from today. 

Do you have any idea how much I have enjoyed getting ready for that day?  How wonderful it has been to get to know 6 new families, spend time communicating, visiting, sharing, and so much more?  Oh and have we ever been spoiled!  Gifts, cards, treats, meals, thoughtful deeds and wonderful caring ways showered upon us.  Sharing the love of this breed and very often sharing the love of God, but always sharing a part of you, a part of me, a part of John, a part of ATB.   Your family and friends are becoming a part of our life too simply because of your joy about your new puppy!  I'm blessed I really am and I don't use that word lightly, not like when someone sneezes and you say "God bless you!"  Although that's important too.. .I'm talking about the kind of wonderful and unbelievable way things kind of just come together.  And they sure have done that.  I'm not bashful about letting anyone know about my faith but I also don't think I'm what you'd call 'religious' or shoving those beliefs of mine down any one's throat.  You may not always see evidence of my beliefs or depth of faith, but it's strong.  Suffice to say, getting to know so many of you - not just through this litter of pups - but for quite awhile now - has changed our life, our outlook as believe it or not - WE have been on the receiving end of your encouragement, support, friendship and more.  Okay - I just had to say all of that stuff... thank you for letting John into your lives and making more about ' the love of the dog both given and received' than we could have ever imagined.

Today's Puppy Aptitude Tests (P.A.T) went very well. I was very happy to be able to do it exactly on Day 49.  Pam came down for the afternoon and conducted the tests with each individual puppy while John and I observed and took notes. Conducted by someone who the pups do not know in an area they are not overly familiar with the goal is to (once again) learn about each pup by observing the most natural raw and basic reaction to various stimulus.  There is no sense of pass/fail with the P.A.T. more a sense of confirming what we have already identified in the pups over the past 7 weeks.  It's not a formal evaluation for structure but structure is an important part of it. So herein lies a mystery.  The one pup who I thought would be the most resistant to the social dominance exercise, when the pup is placed on their back and gently held there for 30 seconds, showed the least resistance!  (New puppy owners will get the particulars as selections are confirmed in the next few days.)  6 out of 6 pups retrieved the object that Pam tossed.  Most readily chased and brought it back to her. A couple thought they may like to take the object over to the corner first but they all brought it back and released it.  I am not surprised - look at their father's strong retrieving skills!  6 out of 6 pups showed definite birdiness but some were more extremely interested than others.  We enjoyed sight pointing a pheasant wing; this was not for scent but for sight sensitivity - we just like to use a wing because, well - we ARE for the most part breeding gun dogs here.  All of the pups loved interacting with Pam, there were a couple that were polite with her but made it clear life offers much a whole lot more to explore - so no time to say hello or goodbye - they explored every inch, nook, and cranny of the enclosed area.  And that's what you hope hunting dogs will do.  Sound sensitivity. Clanging two cooking pot covers together without the pups looking at you. Of course you want some kind of reaction but it's the kind of reaction that matters.  6 out of 6 stood still and listened and 6 out of 6 looked to see where the sound was coming from and 4 of 6 walked towards the sound to investigate - the 2 others were like "ho-hum".  Just what you want pups who will eventually be shot over to do. 

This last week is the most important week of all.  The pups will come to live in the house full time, in the middle of the kitchen in the x-pen, together.  They've been sleeping in a crate with the door open, they have explored their world indoors and outdoors and explored the house one on one.  They will have opportunities to play with all the big dogs. They have already been introduced to the puppies and most of the adults. And life will be very busy and very crazy but very fun and very happy.  I have not exagerrated when I've said these are perhaps the most comical litter of pups ever.  Our family and friends will interact with the pups. We will not set them up to fail by having free range of the house.  Let's be reasonable. But they will bond with humans completely and irrevocably!

As to puppy selection - most of you have left this up to John and I while letting us know of a pup or two that caught your eye.  There were few surprises in that I have described traits of Molly's pups all along as well as sharing all about Scooby.  Independent, intelligent, highly active and inquisitive - this is the composition of this litter.  These pups will not be couch potatoes by a long shot. Each of them requires a structured schedule full of opportunity to learn, grow, develop, explore and above all they must be trained to know what is expected of them.  Those who are getting a pup from this litter know this and have assured us that is the case.  Some of these puppies will always be willing to be cuddled, held and openly show their affection - and there will be others who will want very little to do with that until they are exhausted and there is nothing else to but curl up with you.  They are all loving, they are all of wonderful dispositions, they are all beautiful and they are all going to look to their new owners for guidance, leadership and the feeling that they are loved, wanted and desired as part of their new family. I need to be honest though.  I've shared the video of the early morning howling, talked about the Scotland Yard howling 101 Dalmations style, told you how Timber used to woof "Rye Ruff Rue", and mentioned that both Molly and Scooby are talkative. Did I tell you  that according to Martha Gorman of Coos Kennels - their AFC/FC Coos Rylee who sired Timber ALSO is very talkative, still?  Well, um... err... let's just say the potential is great for vocalizing actual syllables from several of these pups too.  NOT that I have heard them "talk" or anything like that....yet.

I think there is only 1, maybe 2 which are not going to be hunted but I'm thrilled to know there is an interest in field trials and hunt tests even with the non-hunters!  One is destined for agility - oh boy - take 4 large puppy saucers, lay them upside down in a small corridor, toss a ball from one end and you will learn quickly who is agile and confident!  There will be a pup who will help with therapy - probably when she's older. And last but not least, although no one is specifically requesting a prospective show dog - there definitely are those in the litter who could be. But we're not primarily about breeding Brittanys to see how many we can get into the ring. We are primarily about breeding quality, proven Brittanys to meet the needs of the upland game hunter, who also want a loving family companion. You probably know all of this by now if you regularly read this blog but if not, there's more detail on the Maine Brittany site link.

And so ends Day 49, a critical day in the life of any puppy.  I believe we have served ours well, they surely have brought untold joy and happiness into this day.  Yesterday ended with each puppy (Pippins included) falling asleep one by one in my arms.  I make this happen with the older pups at this point in time.  The last puppy to do so last night was Benny.  I gazed into his eyes and suddenly it occurred to me - I am looking into the face of my dear sweet Timberdoodles grandson - his ONLY grandson.  Benny's eyes, the shape of his head, and his sweet expression spoke to me of the little puppy named Timber I once held close at a similar age. The light was low, classical music playing, and Benny and I just looked at each other.  I cradled him close to me, he kissed my face.  Sweet little boy.  Then I learned something very special today.  His new owners, Barb and Wayne, wrote to say that his proper name will be Benedict - because that word means "Blessing".  Indeed.  The love affair between Benny, Veronica, May, Meg, Flower, and Blossom has gone full circle in my eyes and touched my heart.  I have poured all my love (as has John) into them, and know they will leave here to bring so much happiness to their new owners. The majority of new owners of this litter are welcoming their puppy into a heart that has been lonely and aching for a senior Brittany lost within the last year.  How appropriate that they be Timbers grand puppies - from Molly's last litter and Scooby's very first. 

Thanks for listening to my rambling... and for your interest in ATB.  Looks like most pick up times are confirmed but I'll send out one final update. WOW... Take care and God bless you always, John, Ann, and All Things Brittany